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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Past Revisited, May 2, 2008
Foregoing a full plot synopsis (see other reviews), I'll focus instead on why this book stands out for me.
As a reader, I am primarily concerned with my connection to the characters. Mr. Patterson's ability to fully flesh out his cast is a truly rare and talented gift. I was immediately taken in by all his characters, at all times believing in and caring about their situations.
The challenge of writing from the perspective of an age you are well past - in this case, two teenagers - is not easily accomplished. Yet Mr. Patterson masterfully engages the reader at a level that borders on deja-vu. Louis' and Kevin's exploits as young, gay men, coming to terms with their sexuality and senses of self worth, took me right back to my own experiences in high school.
Being gay made this 'visit to the past' uniquely poignant, but being an 'outsider' is a universal feeling that all young people share. Anyone who feels singled out, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, will be able to identify with and benefit from this book. I'll be passing it on to my pre-teen niece, and heartily recommend it to everyone.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poetic Prose with Both Depth and Substance, April 26, 2009
This review is from: No Irish Need Apply (Paperback)
It's not often these days that you come across writing that possesses both the literary beauty of a classic poem with the depth and substance of a contemporary tale. A story may be gritty and real, with writing that reflects the coarseness of the environment in which the characters live, or you have prose that weaves a magical spell with beautiful turns of phrase, but once you're done reading it leaves you with little to chew on after the fact. But "No Irish Need Apply" by Edward C. Patterson contains both substance and style, a contemporary tale with told with the poetic beauty of the literary classics of the past.
"No Irish Need Apply," a reference to the times when Irish immigrants were discriminated against, blatantly reflected by signs posted outside many establishments letting it be known that if you were Irish, then you shouldn't bother coming inside, is a story of love, a forbidden love in many circles, because it's the love story for two teen boys. For many, the subject may be controversial, even considered a topic as forbidden as the incidents it portrays. But in the hands (or should I say pen?) of Mr. Patterson, the story is told with compassion and grace. The tale of these teens as they come to recognize, and eventually accept, their growing love for one another is one which transcends the stigmas and prejudices surrounding homosexuality. It's a story that lives and breathes, takes you inside the minds of two young men dealing with issues that pretty much every human being should be able to identify with. "No Irish Need Apply" isn't a preachy tale, nor a rant against the establishment that denies same-sex relationships equal protection under the law. It's simply a story about teenage angst and love, and of two people trying to find themselves as they discover each other. If the world is lucky, stories like this one that will kick down the walls of prejudice and the misguided applications of morality that still plagues our world, and in doing so bring better understanding and acceptance to us all.
"No Irish Need Apply" isn't just a must read in my opinion, it should be required reading for everyone. Do yourself a favor and read it today.
- Gregory Bernard Banks, author of "2012: Seeking Closure"
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart-warming and Heart-breaking in Equal Measure, August 20, 2008
This review is from: No Irish Need Apply (Paperback)
"No Irish Need Apply" is a wonderful book, bittersweet and charmingly told. On one hand it's simply a tale of first love between two young boys (Kevin and Louis) who are only just learning to come to terms with their sexuality in a town full of gossip-mongering and intolerance. And yet, through the use of clever analogy and elegant prose, Mr Patterson manages to convey powerful messages about prejudice and understanding.
All the characters peopling this short novel are well-written and realistically portrayed. The reader gets a sense of the boys' distinct personalities and their differing reactions when faced with similar circumstances. I became especially fond of "Mrs B" whose character probably evolves more than any other throughout the story. Her tender and somewhat humorous relationship with Louis is one of the highlights of the book in my opinion.
The plot moves along at a fast clip and at times packs an unexpected emotional punch. I have to admit there were some moments towards the end of the book when I was reduced to a quivering wreck! My five-star rating speaks for itself.
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